Stand for Anyone Who is Victim of Hate
Dorothy Field, Victoria
(Reprinted from the January 11, 2012 edition of the Times Colonist)
Volume 26 Issue 1 & 2 | Posted: February 28, 2012
I was proud to attend the vigil at the Emanu-El Jewish Cemetery in the wake of the desecration of five tombstones last week.
I was proud to attend the vigil at the Emanu-El Jewish Cemetery in the wake of the desecration of five tombstones last week. Many hundreds of people were there, Jews as well as people from many other faith groups, all standing side by side, making it clear that Victorians will not tolerate such offensive behaviour. I would deputize the whole city to become the guardians of our community and to commit ourselves to showing up to support anyone and everyone who is the recipient of hate. This is the way we make our city safe.
On top of this, I would urge us to find ways to help our young people understand the power words and symbols of hate have to inflict injury. It is my sense that people engaging in such behaviour are often deeply isolated and hurt themselves. Creating bridges may be the best prevention we can do.
Dorothy Field, Victoria
(Reprinted from the January 11, 2012 edition of the Times Colonist)